What is the Nuclear Engineering Degree Apprenticeship?

The Nuclear Engineering degree apprenticeship is a four-year degree apprenticeship that gives you the chance to study towards a Nuclear Engineering degree while gaining real work experience in one of several exciting areas.

You can choose to work in civil asset management, commissioning, design engineering, engineering & maintenance, control systems, or operations. Each area offers hands-on learning where you’ll apply your knowledge to real projects that keep the site running safely and efficiently. By the end of the program, you’ll have both a degree and practical experience that sets you up for a successful career in the nuclear industry.

To read more about each of the areas you could work with, refer to our degree apprenticeship pages: https://careers.sellafieldsite.co.uk/early-careers/degree-apprenticeships/

Is this the right apprenticeship for you?

The Nuclear Engineering Degree Apprenticeship includes degree-level maths as part of your studies, so you’ll need to be comfortable with numbers. To apply, you’ll need at least a Grade 6 in GCSE Maths or a Grade C at A Level. If you’re already studying an engineering qualification at A Level or Level 3 or above, you’ll likely have a good understanding of engineering maths, which will really help you succeed. If you enjoy problem-solving and want to apply maths to real-world engineering challenges, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

As a degree apprentice, you’ll be learning on the job while also studying towards your qualification. This means managing your time effectively is really important. You’ll need to stay organised, keep on top of your college work, and meet deadlines while gaining hands-on experience in the workplace. Being able to prioritise tasks and plan ahead will help you succeed and make the most of this opportunity.

Skills you’ll learn & develop

During your apprenticeship, you’ll develop essential skills to work safely and effectively in a nuclear environment, including:
• Engineering Mathematics
• Technical Analysis
• Troubleshooting
• Health & Safety Awareness
• Risk
• Communication Skills
• Time Management

In addition, you’ll achieve nationally recognised qualifications in:
• Level 5 ST0380 Nuclear Technician Apprenticeship
• Level 5 Foundation Degree/ Higher National Diploma (HND) in Engineering

For candidates with the potential to progress further:
• Level 6 ST0289 Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Apprenticeship
• Level 6 Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (BEng) over a further 2-year period.

What you’ll need to apply

We’re looking for applicants who have a good level of:
• Communication
• Logical Thinking
• Attention to detail

The qualifications you’ll need to have, or be predicted:
• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grades 9 to 4 (Grades A* to C) including Mathematics, English Language and one Science or Engineering subject.
• Minimum of 96 UCAS points at A-Level, T- Level, BTEC, STEM subjects preferred (e.g., Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Science or Engineering) but not mandatory.
• If you haven’t studied a Level 3 or higher Engineering qualification, Mathematics GCSE at Grade 6 (Grade B) is essential or Grade C at A Level Mathematics.
• Other Level 3 STEM qualifications & vocational equivalents at Level 3 or higher will also be considered.

If you’ve studied in Scotland:
• 5 National 5s at grade C or above including English, Maths (excluding application of Maths) and a Science
• Minimum of 96 UCAS points, 63 at Scottish Higher or 96 at Scottish Advanced Higher. STEM subjects preferred (e.g. Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Science or Engineering) but not mandatory.
• If you haven’t studied a Level 3 or higher Engineering qualification or Mathematics at Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher, then you must achieve a minimum of Grade B at National 5. Other Level 3 STEM qualifications & vocational equivalents at Level 3 or higher will also be considered.

Please be aware that this role is subject to achieving security clearance. This role requires higher level of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 years of continuous residency in the UK. Factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the level of clearance you’re able to achieve.

How to apply & what to expect

• Application Closing Date: 15th February 2026
• Assessment: You will be issued an assessment to complete, the date you receive this will depend on when you apply. You will be given a deadline to complete this.
• National Apprenticeship Week: 9th – 15th February 2026
• In-Person Assessment Centre dates: Monday 23rd, Thursday 26th or Friday 27th March 2026
• Conditional Offers issued between April & May 2026
• Upon receiving an offer, you’ll be invited to attend a skills scan, this is a pre-requirement for your apprenticeship and will take place between May and July, you will be notified of the date upon receiving your conditional offer.
• Expected Start Date: 21st September 2026

In promoting equal opportunities, we welcome applications from all sections of the community. We select people according to their abilities and our needs. Please regularly check your emails (including any junk mail/spam folders) for correspondence related our apprenticeships, including assessment or interview invitations and any other type of correspondence relating to your application.

In the event of a high number of responses to any advert, we may close the advert early.

We are recognised as a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3). Disability Confident employers offer an interview to disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy. We define the minimum criteria as the ‘essential skills’ which are listed on the vacancy notice. Whilst completing your application form, you will be able to indicate if you wish to be considered under the disability confident scheme. If you would prefer to discuss this directly with us, please contact the GBS Recruitment team on recruitment@sellafieldcloud.co.uk.

What in it for you?

• Salary of £23,917 in Year 1, rising to £26,583 in Year 2 upon successful performance.
• On top of your annual salary, you’ll have the opportunity to benefit from an annual bonus, linked to company performance, of up to £4,000.
• We aim to strike a good work/life balance by offering 30 days annual leave with statutory public holidays on top. There is also the ability to purchase an additional 2.5 days leave on top.
• If you’re relocating here from more than 30 miles away, we’ll support you with a relocation allowance of £1,400 and give you plenty of information on the best areas to live and how to find a place too.
• We also offer an attractive defined contribution pension scheme – the company will match up to 13.5% for a 7% employee contribution.
• At the end of your apprenticeship and subject to there being a suitable vacancy, you’ll have the opportunity to be considered for a full time position with us.
• Other benefits include paid sick leave scheme, cycle to work scheme, family friendly policies, welfare & employee assistance programme, employee savings & discounts, plus many others.

Top tips for a stand-out application

• Plan Before You Apply – When you click ‘Apply for Job’, review the application form carefully. Note the key questions and minimum response requirements. Draft your answers offline first to ensure they’re well thought out, rather than rushing through the form.
• Include Skills We’re Looking For – refer your responses back to the Nuclear Engineering degree apprenticeship and the skills we’re looking for.
• Include All Qualifications – Make sure every qualification you’ve achieved is listed. Before submitting, double-check each section to confirm nothing is missing.
• Prepare Your Documents – If you’ve already achieved your qualifications, have digital copies ready to upload. This will save time and help you complete your application smoothly.